Tauqir Ahmad
Pakistan is currently standing at a demographic crossroads. While many nations grapple with ageing populations, Pakistan is experiencing a “youth bulge”—a phenomenon that could either be the engine of unprecedented economic growth or a ticking social time bomb. Today, the country’s youth are rising, but they are doing so in an environment of deep-seated economic and institutional stagnation.
Pakistan possesses one of the youngest populations in the world. Approximately 64% of the country is under the age of 30, with those between 15 and 29 making up nearly a third of the total population.
This demographic dividend is a powerful asset on paper. However, without the necessary infrastructure to support it, this “bulge” has become a “burden.” The sheer volume of young people entering the workforce every year—estimated at nearly two million is outstripping the country’s ability to create meaningful opportunities.
The foundation of any rising generation is its education system, yet in Pakistan, this foundation is fractured. While the number of university graduates has increased over the last decade, the quality and relevance of education have not kept pace with global standards.
Pakistan has the second-highest number of out-of-school children globally, creating a massive gap in basic literacy.
For those who do graduate, there is a profound mismatch between academic curricula and market demands. Many students are trained in traditional fields that are becoming saturated, while modern sectors like AI, renewable energy, and advanced technical trades remain underserved.
The current economic climate has stifled the private sector, leading to a freeze in hiring and widespread layoffs. For a young graduate in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, the “job hunt” has turned into a marathon of futility.
The unemployment rate among youth is significantly higher than the national average. Even more concerning is the rise of the “underemployed” individuals with master’s degrees working as delivery riders or in low-skill service jobs just to survive. This stagnation isn’t just about a lack of positions; it’s about the erosion of the “middle-class dream.” Consequently, the
frustration and the Psychological Toll
Stagnation is breeding frustration. When merit is overshadowed by “sifarish” (nepotism) and hard work does not yield financial stability, the psychological impact on the youth is profound.
We are witnessing a rise in:
Social Alienation: A feeling of being “left behind” by the state.
The increasing rates of anxiety and depression among young adults who feel they are a burden on their ageing parents.
A sense that the system is rigged, leading to either radicalization or complete apathy toward national progress.
The most visible symptom of this stagnation is the “brain drain.” In recent years, record-breaking numbers of young Pakistanis have applied for passports and visas to leave the country.
From doctors and engineers to skilled labourers and tech specialists, the ambition that should be building Pakistan’s future is instead being exported to the Middle East, Europe, and North America. For many, leaving is no longer a choice of “exploration,” but a desperate strategy for survival. They seek environments where electricity is consistent, inflation is manageable, and a day’s work translates into a dignified life.
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s youth are not lacking in talent or resilience; they lack a functional platform. To prevent this rising generation from drowning in stagnation, the focus must shift from short-term “youth schemes” to long-term structural reforms. This includes digitizing the economy, overhauling vocational training, and creating a stable environment for entrepreneurship.
If the state continues to ignore the aspirations of its majority, the energy of this youth bulge will not build the nation , it will continue to look for the nearest exit. This is a final call for structural changes.
(Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of WNAM)
